Jaded

Calhoun's fourth contemporary (after Uncommon Passion) is sensual and emotional. With only two weeks left on her contract in tiny Walkers Ford, S.D., traveling librarian Alana Wentworth steps out of her comfort zone to initiate a whirlwind affair with Lucas Ridgeway, the gorgeous chief of police. Lucas is captivated by Alana's mix of forward kisses and innocent blushes, and an arrangement of passion by night and business by day suits his need for emotional distance. Alana's developing connections to the townspeople and town business tug on her desire to belong somewhere, but family obligations pull her in another direction, and her upcoming departure date forces a decision. Lucas sometimes sends mixed signals, but Alana surprises him by knowing when to stand up to him and when to let him be. Calhoun skillfully shows the reality of smalltown life on both sides of the tracks. Readers will be drawn in by complex secondary characters, a solid relationship journey, and the details of Alana and Lucas's thoughts, desires, fears, and hope. (Feb.)